The most popular college degree in the Philippines today is nursing. According to one article, there around 400,000 licensed nurses who are not gainfully employed and there is an estimated 80,000 board-passers joining the ranks each year. Many of them even end up paying for a job in a desperate attempt to obtain the necessary work experience.
The fact above is very alarming. Thus, it also increases the competition among Filipino Nurses here and abroad. It makes me think, “What is my edge among any other nurses?” then, that is when I thought of enrolling myself in a Master’s program. I know subjecting myself to a post-graduate study can be very demanding but I believe, with my strong motivation and dedication, I can claim my degree without me realizing that it is already done. I envision myself as a successful nurse with this degree as a tool in hand on dealing and promoting my patients’ well being.
As a fresh graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I feel that I need to expound my knowledge, skills and attitude with regards to this profession. With my status now, I must admit that I have yet to discover the wonders of this profession. This degree will be an aid in boosting my confidence in walking the path through my chosen field. In addition, it will also mold me into a well-rounded, mature person who can face any challenge this profession has to offer.
Most people think that a master’s degree is for “old” people but I believe that starting young will enable you to achieve more than you could have ever imagine yourself to attain. With my age, I know some will doubt my maturity as this program will progress but I believe I possess a firm adaptation and coping skills that will help me as this program goes in the long run. I have the energy and most especially, my unwavering faith in God that reigns above all.
I have come to choose UP Open University because the classes are offered via distance education. With that, I can earn my degree and at the same time gain experience in relation to my profession. I can certainly appreciate the things that will transpire because I can directly apply it in the real life setting. I strongly believe that this post graduate program in this institution will enable me to increase my competence in a major field in nursing, enhance my understanding about different nursing theories, principles, methodologies and its application, develop my critical thinking on certain nursing issues, and most especially, establish my own contribution in our health care delivery system through this career advancement.
Finishing this program will be my best achievement so far because this will serve as my transition from a novice to an expert nurse. After getting this degree, I plan to teach college-nursing students probably in lecture or in clinical set-up as my means in helping our country produce quality nurses.
I would be very pleased to join the distinguished class enrolling at University of the Philippines, Open University in the academic year 2010. Overall, I feel that UPOU can help me achieve my goals by preparing me to fulfill my obligation to myself, to society, and to the nursing profession.
Dianne Kristin G. Peña, R.N
Welcome to the world of Registered Nurses where BUMs, Underemployment, Unemployment, Non-stop training, Job/Hospital Hunting and VOLUNTEERISM starts. 
